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Monday, March 21, 2011

Shades of Green

St. Patrick's Day finds me embracing all things green and enjoying some favorite Irish treats. A Shamrock Shake, guilty as charged thanks to the Golden Arches, a pint of Guinness compliments of St. James Gate and a hearty Irish meal of Corned Beef and Cabbage from the always reliable Durgin Park. Not to mention an appropriately themed $2 scratch ticket and green attire in all forms. Can you tell green is one of my favorite colors? The McDonalds Shamrock Shake is sold for a limited time during the month of March. Being Thursday was the warmest day so far this year, it only seemed appropriate enjoy the shake outside under blue skies and warm sunshine.Back at home, an ice cold, thick and frothy treat of a different form was consumed.

My Goodness, My Green Guinness!

The third annual tradition of a hearty Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner ($13.95) at Durgin Park sees Adam and I laughing our way through a debauchery-ridden Faneuil Hall crowd to the red and white checkered market dining room communal tables. Traditionally made slices of Irish Soda Bread were consumed alongside a Jameson & Ginger.

Irish Whiskey for the win.

I couldn't get enough soda bread. The effervescent zest (I'm not the only one who can really taste the soda, right?!) contained within moist buttermilk loaves with chewy dark raisins slathered in melted butter really hit the spot. On past St. Patty's day meals Durgin Park has served cornbread, so this was an unexpected treat! The Corned Beef and Cabbage was amazing, as always. However, Adam and I both remembered them serving turnips last year. This year they were no where to be found on that plate. They boil the heck out of everything, until the beef is fork tender, shredding into thick salty strands.

Same goes for the potatoes, cabbage and carrots.

More specifically; savory red bliss potatoes, sweet carrots and bitter cabbage which are piled sufficiently higher than necessary. I never manage to finish a whole plate, but not for lack of trying. If you find yourself craving this traditional American-Irish meal, look no further than Old Boston legend Durgin Park located in Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market's North Market Building. Classic Yankee cooking in a lively communal environment makes it a fun place to celebrate St Patrick's Day, three years and counting!